Jen W

https://princeoftravel.com/blog/my-experience-using-the-switch-health-rt-lamp-test-kit/ I found a blog of the Switch Health RT-LAMP test with step by step instructions as well as the final documentation provided. A friend who works at one of Toronto's Airports said based on the results in this blog, she would deem it acceptable. It does not show it was completed virtually. I will be using this test (assuming a slight risk as BCSA deems unacceptable according to above post), and look forward to other posts for those returning soon.

Agree, but they make it nearly impossible to obtain this document. I can't even tell you how many hoops I had to jump through and NO ONE, not even my doctor knew what I was talking about. I finally found an email address for public access to personal lab records, and had to request through them. I was honestly surprised that someone even emailed me back - LOL. But I will do what I need to save $$

If you don't mind, what is CVS? Not sure what port you are coming into, but we will be in Fort Lauderdale and it seems they all run over $180 US - I know Walgreens will do free testing, but who can wait 24-48 hours

Thanks! Got him tested and it came back Negative, so guess I will be out another $200 in March to another test. I also found out that Travel Canada will not just accept the Positive Result that you get online, you need an official document which lists DOB, Name, Civic address of Test Lab, Method of Test and Results - no doc note either. Spent all day trying to obtain this document as no one knew what I was talking about! So frustrating!

Update: In order to give a definite answer, she would need to see what the results email looks like. I tried to get a template from Switch Health, but they advised they have no such thing. Switch Health says they've never heard of someone being denied access back to Canada from using this test, however they would not take responsibility to cover the fees if you get refused. Based on the acceptable criteria, my only concern is "Name and Civic address of the lab" - I would presume if it says "Self-Administered" there may be an issue. The fact that my friend is not familiar with this test (which has been out for sometime) is maybe a good thing, they likely don't list on the result it was self admin w/ health care video - only that it was a RT-LMAP test. Hoping others who are coming home soon can share their experience. I still think I'm going to risk using this one and argue with Border Services if they try and deny me access. I tested positive, and I'm sure they are going to hassle me with the documentation of my positive result (which BTW is a nightmare to obtain)!! traveller name and date of birth name and civic address of the laboratory/clinic/facility that administered the test the date on which the test was taken the type of test taken the test result

Here is RC about the testing. I’m still debating if I go or cancel on March 12. $210 US x 4 = mini vacation - UGH, hoping enough complain and they reinstate the free testing since Covid is still so fluid

Odyssey of the seas

Same position and I have debated almost everyday if we “go forward” with our March Break cruise or postpone. 3/4 of us already caught Covid on Christmas, but somehow it skipped my husband. With my luck he will be the one to catch it and we’ll need to quarantine in Florida. Im going to bring all my kids laptops and if need be, have them upload assignments on google classroom. I can Work remote, so no issues for me but Hubby doesn’t get paid sick time, so we would take a loss there. I’m getting the ML Covid INS which covers hotel - but RC also claims they will cover accommodations if you get infected on ship. it’s really a “roll of the dice” for anyone right now.

We are booked for a spacious ocean view with a bid pending for Spacious Balcony on Royal up (fingers crossed, but not hopeful since it’s March break) Has anyone stayed in the corner room as I can’t find any videos or photos to see the layout. It looks bigger on the map, but the sq footage appears the same. Not sure if these are more desirable rooms or the standard ones? Please help

Yes, I read that after I posted. I’m checking with my friend who is the chief Covid officer at the airport. This is turning out to be a nightmare!!!!

My son tested positive for Covid via home test 3 days after I got my PCR test back Dec 26th (positive), so I didn’t test him b/c it was a disaster trying to get myself tested. So should I test him now via PCR to see if he’s showing positive, so we don’t find out a day prior and we can’t fly? People were saying the Antigen tests won’t show a positive result 3 mths out, so it didn’t cross my mind about the PCR that needs to be done coming home.

I’ve done a bunch of research and here are my thoughts. - RC only tests at the pier now and it’s $210 US. Only unvaccinated kids can get an antigen test onboard, or if you have symptoms I think they test you free. (Not for travel) - $150 CAD p/p to order the PCR test through switch health (Aeroplan) which you can take onboard RC a day prior to disembarkment. If you test positive then you would let RC know and they would need to test you (I’m assuming they don’t charge if you have been exposed for the test). If you’re positive I would think their Covid-19 guarantee is honoured for accommodations as you are still a guest onboard. - Or you can get Manulife Covid-19 ins which was $85 CAD for 2 adults / 2 kids and covers hotel and medical Also, if you’ve tested Positive via PCR in the last 180 days you don’t need a test to gain entry to Canada. You will need a printed document with Name, DOB and infection info which is obtained at your doctors office or lab where the test was taken. Hope this helps

RC says antigen tests are allowed 2 days prior, and it’s also an approved test to enter the US. My plan was to go to Shoppers and spend $40 per test which comes with travel docs. Getting home will be expensive as tests run $150 pp.

Thanks for the post, I emailed RC Monday with this question since CDC says I can fly into the USA with documentation within 90 days after being positive, so was hoping to save $40 x 2 tests. Still no response from them.

Silly question, but do you book the shows on the RC app? What if you don’t get the internet pkg, are u SOL?

This is my first cruse and we will be sailing March 12 on Odyssey of the Seas. RC page states you can carry on either 12 water OR 12 cans of pop. I’ve heard they don’t really enforce it and people bring multiples cases of water and pop on top of their carry on. I don’t want to buy a soft drink pkg as it’s too $$. Has anyone tried bringing 24 water and pop onboard without any issues?

There were two different companies which offer the excursion when I stayed in Bahamas in 2019. We opted for Powerboat Adventures since it was cheaper than Exuma. It’s a different island but similar experience - I think the only difference was exuma you get to swim with the sting rays where Powerboat they line you up on the beach and you feed them. My kids had a blast - 8 yrs and 13 yrs. Yes there was a lot of poop at first which they didn’t advertise, but it just once pigs got in the water and then it quickly floats away. Pigs were gentle and well fed, but the handlers keep a close eye on the big ones. This company really focused on my kids allowing them to wrangle the sharks and gave them a conch. To me it was 100% worth it.

Has anyone visited Aruba and did the ABC Island Jeep Tour?

Any suggestions on what to bid to have any hope for March Break? I assume they won’t entertain the min bid?

We are booked March 12 for Odyssey of the Sea and the rep told me the PCR tests to travel home are free. Now I’m reading that ended Jan 5th and they confirmed via email. I know Walgreens will do free tests, but the NAAT test is 24 hrs to get results. Anyone from Canada who can suggest where to get an affordable test done same day? Also, I thought their website said they cover all costs and flight re-arrangements if u test positive for Covid while on ship. Now I see people getting Pandemic coverage.